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Single conversion
To convert from calorie (cal) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh), use the following formula:
With is the ratio between the base units Joule (J) and calorie (cal).
Let's convert 5 calorie (cal) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 calorie (cal) is equal to Kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Here are some quick reference conversions from calorie (cal) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh):
| calories | Kilowatt-hours |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 cal | kWh |
| 0.001 cal | kWh |
| 0.1 cal | kWh |
| 1 cal | kWh |
| 2 cal | kWh |
| 3 cal | kWh |
| 4 cal | kWh |
| 5 cal | kWh |
| 6 cal | kWh |
| 7 cal | kWh |
| 8 cal | kWh |
| 9 cal | kWh |
| 10 cal | kWh |
| 20 cal | kWh |
| 30 cal | kWh |
| 40 cal | kWh |
| 50 cal | kWh |
| 100 cal | kWh |
| 1000 cal | kWh |
| 10000 cal | kWh |
For all Energy converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
At its core, a calorie (cal) is a fundamental unit of energy.
While we often talk about "calories" in our food, it's essential to understand precisely what they represent.
Have you ever noticed the term "calorie" on a nutrition label? What you're actually looking at is a kilocalorie (kcal).
One kilocalorie (or "food calorie") is equal to 1,000 of the smaller, scientific calories.
The scientific definition of a single, "small" calorie (cal) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
Knowing this difference is key to accurate calorie counting and managing your energy intake for your health and fitness goals.
Scientists use two primary methods to determine the number of calories in food:
The Bomb Calorimeter: This is the most precise method. It involves an instrument that measures the total heat released when a food sample is burned completely.
The Atwater System: This is a more common and practical method. It calculates the total energy by using average values: 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and proteins, and 9 calories per gram for fats.
Calories aren't just for food—they are a universal measure of energy. Anything that stores and releases energy has a calorie value.
For example, you might be surprised to learn that a single gallon of gasoline contains over 31 million calories!
This shows that a calorie is simply a standard unit for potential energy, whether it's fueling your body or powering a car.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measurement of energy. It's the standard unit your utility company uses to measure how much electricity you use.
While it has a technical definition (one kWh equals 3.6 million Joules), it's much easier to understand in terms of how you use appliances at home.
Your utility company uses the kilowatt-hour (kWh) to bill you for the total amount of electrical energy your home or business consumes over a period.
Every appliance, from your refrigerator to your television, has a power rating in watts.
When you use a 1,000-watt (or 1-kilowatt) appliance for one full hour, you consume exactly one kilowatt-hour of energy. This usage is tracked by your electric meter and shows up on your monthly bill.
A common point of confusion is the distinction between a kilowatt (kW) and a kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Here's a simple analogy to make it clear: Kilowatts (kW) are like your car's speed, and kilowatt-hours (kWh) are like the distance you travel.
Power (kW) measures how fast you're using energy right now (your speed).
Energy (kWh) measures the total amount of electricity you used over your entire journey (the distance you traveled).
To put it in perspective, one kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a significant amount of energy that can power various common household activities.
For example, a single kWh can let you:
This unit provides a tangible way to understand and track your daily energy consumption.